Organik, Cartwright's first release as a leader in 15 years, is like a breath of fresh air it sounds so natural. In her own words she says, "I made this album for me, wanting to move away from effects pedals and play without the distraction of technology."
Eleanor Rigby: One of those Beatles' songs that, stripped of the words, turn out to be a good tune as Deirdre and Wes Montgomery discovered. Wes' octave phrasing provided the inspiration here.
One For Polly: There's no indication as to who Polly is - maybe a parrot? Who knows? Who cares? What matters is that this is a delightful 6/8 original by Cartwright that has both herself and Whittaker ticking all the boxes whilst Hammond unobtrusively suggests the rhythm on his minimalist array of percussion.
Mango Bango: The second of three Cartwright originals reflects on her time at the Bequis Blues Festival. Hammond is more prominent here his Latin rhythms perfectly catching the Caribbean groove.
Softly as in a Morning Sunrise: The inspiration here is the late Emily Remler, one of jazz's all-Time great guitarists. If you're going to seek instrumental wisdom and truth Remler's a good place to start. Cartwright has nailed it.
Expresso Martino: An original, bluesy, funky nod to Pat Martino. All three capture the intended mood digging in deep and although it was recorded at the Fish Factory Recording Studio in North London it could have been in Detroit.
You Don't Know me: Deirdre is laid back and relaxed, Whittaker too is reflective with both of them showing respect to the Ray Charles version that made it to number two in the Billboard Hot Hundred back in 1962.
Sultans of Swing: A number associated with Dire Straits and composed by Mark Knopfler. Cartwright goes her own way taking Whittaker and Hammond along for the ride. A nice, easy, groove.
On Green Dolphin Street: One of those tunes you can't go wrong with. Although it's played nightly at jam sessions across the world a good player will always find something new and Organik do just that switching seamlessly 'twixt swing and Latin. Nice one.
Gentle Rain: Luiz Bonfá's haunting bossa closes the album on a wistful note that left me wanting more which is always a good thing whether it's an album such as this or a second helping of freshly caught cod from one of the other Fish Factories.
Organik is scheduled for release on July 10 with an album launch at Pizza Express Live (Soho) on July 15. Lance
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